Refillable container and dispensing apparatus and systems and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

Systems and apparatus of refillable containers with dispensing apparatuses are provided. A system can include a housing adapted to receive material and having first and second ends; a platform located within the housing; a lead screw coupled to the platform; and a thumb screw coupled to the lead screw and adapted to be rotated. The thumb screw is adapted to cause rotation of the lead screw resulting in first movement of the platform towards the second end of the housing or second movement of the platform towards the first end of the housing, wherein a direction of the first movement or the second movement is based, at least, on a direction of a rotation of the thumb screw. The system can be prepared for filling/refilling with material or can dispense material based on the operation of the direction of the rotation of the thumb screw.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to a container, and, more specifically, to a refillable container with dispensing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In today's fast-paced world, work and personal circumstance cause consumers to travel often, and via numerous different modes such as air, train, bus and car. Unfortunately, security concerns and space constraints may result in limitations on the sizes of containers that can be utilized during travel. For example, aviation regulations may limit the size of carry-on containers of liquids and gels to approximately 3.4 ounces. To meet this requirement, consumers may purchase retail products that are pre-packaged in travel size containers. However, doing so may limit the choices of products that can be carried during travel as numerous brands of products are not packaged in travel-size containers. Further, consumers that require or prefer the use of products not widely distributed in retail outlets (e.g., products having various medicinal qualities, homeopathic products, specialty products) may also be inconvenienced from the dearth of pre-packaged travel-size product options.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more of the embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the embodiments nor delineate any scope of the embodiments or the claims. Its sole purpose is to present various concepts of the embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. It will also be appreciated that the detailed description may include additional or alternative embodiments beyond those described in this summary.

In some embodiments, a system includes: a housing adapted to receive material and having a first end and a second end; a platform located within the housing; a lead screw coupled to the platform. The system can also include a thumb screw coupled to the lead screw and adapted to be rotated. The thumb screw can be adapted to cause rotation of the lead screw resulting in first movement of the platform towards the second end of the housing or second movement of the platform towards the first end of the housing, wherein a direction of the first movement or the second movement is based, at least, on a direction of a rotation of the thumb screw. The housing can be refillable with the material.

The system can also include the material. The material can be high-viscosity material in some embodiments. The material can be located substantially between the platform and the second end of the housing, and the system can be configured to dispense the material based, at least, on the first movement of the platform towards the second end of the housing.

The housing can be filled or refilled with material if there is a volume of empty space between the platform and the second end of the housing. The volume of empty space can be increased based on causing the second movement of the platform towards the first end of the housing. For example, the region between the second end of the housing and the platform can include material or be empty; however, in either case, additional material can be provided. In some embodiments, the additional material can be provided after increasing volume between the second end of the housing and the platform by the second movement of the platform towards the first end of the housing.

In various embodiments, the system can also include a cap having an orifice for dispensing of the material. In some embodiments, a seal can be provided between the platform and interior surface of the housing and/or between the housing and the cap to provide a substantially watertight condition of the system.

In some embodiments, a system can include: a housing adapted to receive material and having a first end and a second end; a dispensing apparatus located, at least partially, within the housing; and a platform located within the housing and operably coupled to the dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus can be adapted to cause first movement of the platform towards the second end of the housing or second movement of the platform towards the first end of the housing, wherein the first movement or the second movement is based on operation of the dispensing apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system includes: a dispensing apparatus configured to cause material to be dispensed from the system; a platform coupled to the dispensing apparatus; and a refillable housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the refillable housing is adapted to receive the material, and wherein the refillable housing encloses at least a portion of the dispensing apparatus and the platform. The platform can be adapted to be raised towards the second end of the refillable housing to cause the material to be dispensed or lowered towards the first end of the refillable housing to facilitate filling/refilling the refillable housing with the material. The dispensing apparatus can include a mechanical pump having a pinion gear operably coupled to a rack, or including an assembly having a thumb screw rotatably coupled to a lead screw.

In some embodiments, the system includes: means for dispensing configured to cause dispensing of a material; material support means coupled to the means for dispensing; and refillable housing means having a first end and a second end, adapted to receive the material, and enclosing at least a portion of the means for dispensing, wherein the refillable housing means comprises the material support means, and the material support means is adapted to be raised towards the second end of the refillable housing means to cause dispensing of the material, wherein the raising is based, at least, on operation of the means for dispensing.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects can be employed. Other elements of the embodiments will become apparent from the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example, non-limiting refillable container with dispensing apparatus (RCDA) including cap and material in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the RCDA of FIG. 1 without material in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting thumb screw of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the thumb screw of FIG. 3A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting platform of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the platform of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting lead screw of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the lead screw of FIG. 5A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting housing of an RCDA without material in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting housing of the RCDA of FIG. 6A and including material in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the housing of FIG. 6A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting cap of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the cap of FIG. 7A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting RCDA including cap in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the RCDA of FIG. 8A without cap in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the RCDA of FIG. 8A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the RCDA of FIG. 8A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate example, non-limiting flowcharts of methods of operation of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit embodiments or applications and uses of embodiments. One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that some of the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example, non-limiting RCDA including cap and material in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the RCDA of FIG. 1 without material in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity.

Turning first to FIG. 1, RCDA 100 includes cap 102 having orifice 104 in top surface 116 and cap top 106, housing 108 having top region 112 and bottom region 114, and thumb screw 110. In the embodiment shown, material 120 is located in RCDA 100.

While cap 102 includes cap top 106 in the embodiment shown, and orifice 104 is positioned in a center region of top surface 116 of cap 102, in other embodiments, cap 102 need not include cap top 106 and/or orifice 104 can be positioned at any number of different locations in cap 102, including, but not limited to, through a side wall of cap 102. Cap top 106 can be a coupled to cap 102 via hinge 122 allowing cap top 106 to be positioned distal from top surface 116 of cap 102 as shown, for ease of dispensing material 120 through orifice 104 of cap 102, or allowing cap top 106 to be positioned proximate to top surface 116 of cap 102 to reduce the likelihood of material 120 being expelled through orifice 104.

In the embodiment shown, cap 102 is a flip cap. In some embodiments, cap 102 need not include cap top 106 (or a hinge or other coupling mechanism). Further, while not shown, in some embodiments, cap 102 can be configured such that cap top 106 can cover or uncover orifice 104 through any known method including, but not limited to, rotation of cap top 106 in a horizontal plane substantially parallel to top surface 116. For example, cap top 106 can be rotated in a first direction such that cap top 106 is moved away from and uncovers orifice 104 or, cap top 106 can be rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction moving toward and eventually covering the orifice 104. Any number of different swivel- or hinge-based cap tops can be employed and are envisaged herein.

Bottom region 118 of cap 102 can be coupled to or near top region 112 of housing 108. As shown, thumb screw 110 can be substantially flush with bottom region 114 of housing 108. In other embodiments, thumb screw 110 need not be substantially flush with housing 108 and can be located, at least in part, within housing 108.

Cap 102 can be coupled to housing 108 in any number of different configurations. For example, in various embodiments, bottom region 118 of cap 102 can be coupled to housing 108 telescopically. In other embodiments, bottom region 118 of cap 102 can be coupled to housing 108 via threading provided on cap 102 and housing 108. The threading can mate and allow cap 102 to be screwed onto housing 108 via the threading (e.g., screw-on cap embodiments).

Housing 108 can be substantially hollow to allow filling/refilling of material 120 deposited in housing 108. The material 120 can be dispensed from orifice 104 of cap 102 based on rotation of thumb screw 110.

In some embodiments, RCDA 100 can include a sealing apparatus (not shown) adapted to fit snugly between bottom region 118 of cap 102 and top region 112 of housing 108 to seal RCDA 100. The sealing apparatus can be configured in substantially the shape of the perimeters of cap 102 and/or housing 108 to provide a watertight, or substantially watertight, seal. For example, in embodiments in which cap 102 and housing 108 are cylindrical, the sealing apparatus can be cylindrical. In these embodiments, the likelihood of leakage of material 102 that is from region 124 can be reduced relative to embodiments that do not include a sealing apparatus. The sealing apparatus can be plastic or rubber or any number of other materials and can be biocompatible in some embodiments.

In the embodiment shown, thumb screw 110 is designed to fit in a recess at bottom region 118 of housing 108 such that thumb screw 110 can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise. In other embodiments, thumb screw 110 need not be provided at a recess of housing 108, housing 108 need not have a recess and/or thumb screw 110 can be provided at any location relative to housing 108 allowing thumb screw 110 to be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to cause a platform (not shown) inside of housing 108 to move towards top region 112 of housing 108 (for dispensing material 102 from orifice 104) or towards bottom region of housing 108 (for filling/refilling housing 108 with material 102). For example, thumb screw 110 can be located on a side wall of housing 108 and lead screw (not shown) can be operably coupled to thumb screw 110 through the sidewall of housing 108.

While housing 108 and cap 102 are illustrated having substantially cylindrical configuration, and thumb screw 110 is shown having substantially circular configuration, in various embodiments, housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can be any number of different configurations. For example, housing 108 and cap 102 can be rectangular prism, cubical, conical or any number of other three-dimensional configurations.

Housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can be formed in whole or in part of any number of different substantially rigid or semi-rigid materials. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can be formed in whole or in part of any number of different types of plastics or stainless steel. With regard to plastics, housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can be formed in whole or in part of polycarbonate plastic and/or any dishwasher-safe material. Further, one or more of housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can be transparent, translucent or opaque, or include transparent, translucent or opaque regions, in various embodiments.

In various embodiments, housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can be formed in whole or in part of any number of different types of biocompatible materials. Any number of different biocompatible plastics or metals can be employed. In some embodiments, housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can include a coating of biocompatible material on a first surface of the component (e.g., a surface that will contact material 120 deposited in housing 108). In this regard, in some embodiments, housing 108, cap 102 and/or thumb screw 110 can be composed of be non-biocompatible material while providing a coating of biocompatible material at suitable locations.

In some embodiments, material 120 can be high-viscosity material. As used herein, the term “high-viscosity” can mean, in various different embodiments, having a centipoises (cps) value greater than approximately 85 cps, having a cps value greater than approximately 1,000 cps or having a cps value between approximately 85 cps and approximately 15,000 cps. In various embodiments, material 120 that is high-viscosity material can include personal care products (e.g., toothpaste, hand gel, shoe polish, leather cleaner), food (e.g., baby food, peanut butter, honey) or the like. In some embodiments, material 120 is not high-viscosity material. For example, housing 108 can be filled/refilled with water or juice. One or more of the sealing apparatuses described herein can be employed for reducing the likelihood of leakage of high-viscosity material and/or material that is not high-viscosity material.

Because housing 108 is refillable, material 120 can vary from time to time. For example, a first material can be provided in housing 108 at a first time of filling/refilling housing 108, and a second material 120 can be provided in housing 108 at a second time of filling/refilling housing 108.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of RCDA 100 is shown. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity. Shown is cap 102 having orifice 104 through top surface 116 and cap top 106, housing 108, thumb screw 110, lead screw 202, platform 200. One or more of cap 102 having orifice 104 and cap top 106, housing 108, and thumb screw 110, lead screw 202, platform 200 can be coupled to one another to perform one or more of the functions of RCDA 100.

While the embodiments shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, include cap 102, in some embodiments, cap 102 need not be included in RCDA 100. For example, in some embodiments, top region 112 of housing 108 can have a closed end with an orifice through the closed end, and no cap need be provided over housing 108. In this embodiment, material 120 can be dispensed directly from housing 108 to the environment outside of RCDA 100 in lieu of being dispensed from cap 102. As such, in this embodiment, platform 200 can be raised towards top region 112 of housing 108 and material 120 can be dispensed into the directly from housing 108 in lieu of being dispensed directly from cap 102.

In the embodiment shown, thumb screw 110 is a round knurled component having boss 206 on top surface 208 of thumb screw 110. Boss 206 can be integrally formed with thumb screw 110 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, boss 206 can be coupled to thumb screw 110 by any suitable method including, but not limited to, adhesive, screwed into a threaded indentation in top surface 208 of thumb screw 110 or the like. In various embodiments, thumb screw 110 and/or boss 206 can be any number of different shapes and need not be round.

In some embodiments, in lieu of or in addition a first sealing apparatus being provided between cap 106 and housing 108, a second sealing apparatus can be provided to fit snugly between lead screw 202 and platform 200. For example, the sealing apparatus can be located around the perimeter of orifice 210 of platform 200 around lead screw 202. As such, in some embodiments, the sealing apparatus can reduce the likelihood of leakage of material 120 from RCDA 100 (relative to embodiments without the sealing apparatus). The sealing apparatus can be composed of flexible material including, but not limited to, rubber or plastic.

In some embodiments, lead screw 202 can be provided through orifice 210 of platform 210. Lead screw 202 can be mounted in top surface 208 of thumb screw 110 via boss 206 of thumb screw 110. For example, lead screw 202 can be rotatably coupled to boss 206 of thumb screw 110 such that rotation of thumb screw 110 causes rotation of lead screw 202.

Platform 200 is located inside of housing 108, and has a diameter less than the inner diameter of housing 108 to facilitate movement of platform 200 from bottom region 114 of housing 108 to top region 112 of housing 108 (and from top region 112 of housing 108 to bottom region 114 of housing 108). In some embodiments, the diameter of platform 200 is sized to provide a snug fit between platform 200 and an interior surface of housing 108. Material (not shown) can be provided on platform 200 in some embodiments. Accordingly, due to the snug fit, platform 200 can move towards top region 112 of housing 108 while maintaining a substantial portion of material 120 within RCDA 100 above platform 200.

As shown, top surface 216 of platform 200 can be dome-shaped in some embodiments. In other embodiments, any number of other different shapes can be provided for top surface 216 of platform 216. For example, top surface 216 can be convex, slanted or substantially flat.

While platform 200 is illustrated having substantially circular configuration, in various embodiments, platform 200 can be any number of different configurations complementary to or substantially the same as the configuration of housing 108. For example, in embodiments in which housing 108 is cylindrical, platform 200 can be cylindrical or circular in shape. In embodiments in which housing 108 is rectangular prism in shape, platform 200 can be rectangular prism or rectangular. In embodiments in which housing 108 is cubical in shape, platform 200 can be cubical or square in shape and/or thumb screw 110 can be any number of different configurations.

Platform 200, lead screw 202 and/or boss 208 can be formed in whole or in part of any number of different rigid materials. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of platform 200, lead screw 202 and/or boss 208 can be formed in whole or in part of any number of different types of plastic or stainless steel. With regard to plastics, one or more of platform 200, lead screw 202 and/or boss 208 can be formed in whole or in part of polycarbonate plastic and/or any dishwasher-safe material. Further, one or more of platform 200, lead screw 202 and/or boss 208 can be transparent, translucent or opaque, or include transparent, translucent or opaque regions, in various embodiments.

In various embodiments, platform 200, lead screw 202 and/or boss 208 can be formed in whole or in part of any number of different types of biocompatible materials. Any number of different biocompatible plastics or metals can be employed. In some embodiments, platform 200, lead screw 202 and/or boss 208 can include a coating of biocompatible material on a first surface of the component (e.g., a surface that will contact material 120 deposited in housing 108). In this regard, in some embodiments, platform 200, lead screw 202 and/or boss 208 can be composed of be non-biocompatible material while providing a coating of biocompatible material at suitable locations.

In one or more embodiments, rotation of thumb screw 110 can cause rotation of lead screw 202, which is coupled to thumb screw 110 (in some embodiments, via boss 206). Rotation of thumb screw 110 in a first direction can cause platform 200 to move towards top region 112 of housing 108 while rotation of thumb screw 110 in a second direction can cause platform 200 to move towards bottom region 114 of housing 108. Material 120 provided in housing 108 can be provided above or rest on a surface of platform 200. Accordingly, rotation of thumb screw 110 in a first direction can raise platform 200 to a level such that material 120 is expelled from RCDA 100. Further, rotation of thumb screw 110 in a second direction (opposite the first direction) can lower platform 200 towards thumb screw 110 to allow housing 108 to be filled/refilled with material 120. Thus, RCDA 100 can be refillable with different materials from time to time as desired by the consumer.

Further detail of one or more embodiments of RCDA 100 and/or systems, components thereof or methods of operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B. Again, repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity.

Turning first to FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting thumb screw of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, and FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the thumb screw of FIG. 3A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, in some embodiments, boss 206 can be located in top surface 208 of thumb screw 110. In other embodiments, however, thumb screw 110 does not include boss 206. In these embodiments, lead screw 202 can connect to or mount directly to top surface 208 of thumb screw 110. For example, lead screw 202 can be connected to top surface 208 of thumb screw 110 via any number of different adhesives or other materials that can fix lead screw 202 in position on top surface 208 such that rotation of thumb screw 110 results in rotation of lead screw 202. As another example, although not shown, thumb screw 110 can include an indentation in top surface 208 having threads configured to mate with threads of lead screw 202 such that lead screw 110 can be fixed in top surface 208. As described above, rotation of thumb screw 110 can result in rotation of lead screw 202.

Notwithstanding the embodiments described, in other embodiments, thumb screw 110 can reside below housing 108 or within housing 108. In various embodiments, thumb screw 110 can reside at any location relative to housing 108 that facilitates movement of platform 200 toward or away from top region 112 of housing 108 based on rotation of thumb screw 110. As such, for example, thumb screw 110 can be positioned on a side of housing 108 in some embodiments.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting platform of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the platform of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting lead screw of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the lead screw of FIG. 5A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity.

As shown, in some embodiments, platform 200 includes orifice 210. In various embodiments, orifice 210 (or a threaded region within orifice 210) can be adapted to couple to threading 500 on lead screw 202. As such, when lead screw 202 is turned in a first direction, platform 200 is moved toward top region 112 of housing 108, and when lead screw 202 is turned in a second direction (which is opposite the first direction), platform 200 is moved toward thumb screw 110.

As shown, lead screw 202 can be a round shaft that has external threading 500 along the outer surface of lead screw 202. External threading 500 can reside along the entire length of lead screw 202 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, external threading 500 can reside along a portion of lead screw 202 (e.g., the portion of lead screw 202 likely to contact platform 200 (or, in embodiments in which lead screw 202 is fixed in threaded region in top surface 208 of thumb screw, external threading 500 can be provided along the portion of lead screw 202 contacting top surface 208). Bottom portion 504 of lead screw 202 can mount to boss 206 of thumb screw 110 (or, as described, bottom portion 504 can mount to a threaded region in top surface 208 of thumb screw 110). As thumb screw 110 is rotated in a first direction, lead screw 202 turns and platform 200 traverses lead screw 202 so that material 120 is moved closer to top region 112 of housing 108 and can be dispensed from RCDA 100.

While lead screw 202 is shown protruding through orifice 210 of platform 200 in FIG. 2, and therefore provided above top region 212 of platform 200, in some embodiments, lead screw 202 has a length such that, when RCDA 100 is assembled, top region 502 of lead screw 202 is not provided through orifice 104 of cap 102. Rather, the length of lead screw 202 is such that top region 502 of lead screw 202 is not in contact with orifice 104 of cap 102, thereby allowing material 120 in housing 108 to be expelled from orifice 104.

While lead screw 202 is shown protruding through orifice 210 of platform 200 in FIG. 2, in other embodiments, top region 502 of lead screw 202 can be provided in orifice 210 via mating of threading 500 with threading of platform 200. However, top region 502 of lead screw 202 can be positioned such that a top surface of lead screw 202 is substantially flush, or even with, top surface 216 of platform 200 such that lead screw 202 such that lead screw 202 does not substantially extend above top surface of platform 200.

In some embodiments, lead screw 202 has threading 500 that mates with threading of platform 200. Accordingly, in these embodiments, platform 200 can be moved towards top region 112 of housing 108 or towards bottom region 114 of housing 108 while traversing at least a portion of lead screw 202. As platform 200 moves toward top region 112, platform 200 can push material 120 out of RCDA 100.

In various embodiments, the pitch of threading for orifice 210 of platform 200 and threading 500 of lead screw 202 can vary based on system design. For example, a first pitch can be employed to cause platform 200 to traverse a first distance of lead screw 202 with two turns of thumb screw 110, while a second pitch can be employed to cause platform 200 to traverse the same, first distance of lead screw 202 with five turns of thumb screw 110.

In any case, the pitch of lead screw 202 and the pitch of orifice 210 of platform 200 can facilitate mating between lead screw 202 and platform 200. In some embodiments, the pitch of the threading can be smaller to increase the likelihood of making RCDA 100 leak-proof. In other embodiments, the pitch of the threading can be greater when RCDA 100 is designed primarily for high-viscosity materials and, as such, there is less likelihood of leakage.

In some embodiments (not shown), platform 200 does not include orifice 210. Rather, top region 212 of platform 200 can be a solid surface. Bottom region 504 of lead screw 202 can rotatably couple to thumb screw 110 as previously described. However, in this embodiment, top region 502 of lead screw 202 can couple to a bottom surface (not shown) of platform 200. The bottom surface of platform 200 can be the surface facing top surface 208 of thumb screw 110 when RCDA 100 is assembled. For example, platform 200 can be cylindrical (or any other shape) with hollow interior region. The bottom surface of platform 200 can be the surface opposite top surface 216 of platform 200 and facing top surface 208 of thumb screw 110 when RCDA 100 is assembled. In this embodiment, platform 200 can include a threaded region on a bottom surface of platform 200. In these embodiments, in lieu of lead screw 202 being provided through an orifice (e.g., orifice 210) to cause platform 200 to raise and lower with rotation of thumb screw 110, lead screw 202 can be mounted to the bottom surface of platform 200.

Top region 502 can couple to bottom surface of platform 200 in any number of different ways. For example, threading 500 at top region 502 of lead screw 202 can mate with threading in an indented region on the bottom surface of platform 200. As another example, a top surface of lead screw 202 can be coupled to (e.g., provided substantially flush with) the bottom surface of platform 200. As such, platform 200 can be mounted on lead screw 202. In this embodiment, platform 200 can include threading (not shown) around the outer perimeter of platform 200 and inner surface of housing 108 can include threading (not shown) configured to mate with the threading around the outer perimeter of platform 200. As such, when thumb screw 110 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise), lead screw 202 turns platform 200. Threading on the outer perimeter of platform 200 mates with threading on the interior of housing 108 and moves platform 200 towards orifice 104 of cap 102. By contrast, when the thumb screw 110 is rotated in a second direction (opposite the first direction), the lead screw 202 turns platform 200 in opposite direction that causes platform 200 to move away from orifice 104 of cap 102.

In some embodiments, lead screw 202 can be enclosed within a channel (not shown) (or masked by a cover (not shown) or coated with a particular type of material) such that material 120 in housing 108 is not exposed to lead screw 202. In some embodiments, lead screw 202 is not enclosed within a channel or masked by a cover. In some embodiments, lead screw 202 is composed of biocompatible material and material 120 in housing 108 is exposed to lead screw 202.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting housing of an RCDA without material in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting housing of the RCDA of FIG. 6A and including material (e.g., material 120) in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the housing of FIG. 6A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity.

Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 6A, 6B and 6C, housing 108 can include interior region 600 that is substantially hollow to receive platform 200 and allow material 120 to be deposited into housing 108. As shown, housing 108 can include external threading 204 at top region 112 of housing 108. The threading can be formed according to an extrusion process, according to a mold process or any number of other approaches. In some embodiments, threading 204 can be used to attach the flip cap (e.g., a screw-on flip cap). In some embodiments, housing 108 can have a substantially smooth outer surface without threading 204 and cap 102 can telescopically couple to housing 108.

Bottom region 114 of housing 108 can include a portion 604 formed such that thumb screw 110 can be rotated to move platform 200 towards and away from top region 112 of housing 108. Portion 604 of housing 108 formed by any number of methods including, but not limited to, an extrusion process to form to extruded cut formed to cooperate with thumb screw 110. In another embodiment, portion 604 of housing 108 can be formed through a molding process to cooperate with thumb screw 110.

Portion 604 can be formed to provide an opening at bottom region 114 of housing 108 that exposes the edges of thumb screw 110 for rotation to actuate lead screw 202. Accordingly, portion 604 can expose thumb screw 110 (but may not be connected to thumb screw 110 or lead screw 202 in some embodiments).

Prior to filling RCDA 100 with material 120, in various embodiments, housing 108 can be a substantially hollow cartridge having platform 200 and lead screw 202 in interior region 600 of housing 108. Upon filling housing 108 with material 120, material 120 can be stored in housing 108 until material 120 is dispensed from cap 102.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting cap of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the cap of FIG. 7A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity.

Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 7A and 7B, in the embodiment shown, cap 102 can be a screw-on flip cap having threading (not shown) on a region of cap 102. For example, in some embodiments, the threading can be on an interior surface of cap 102. In some embodiments, cap 102 can have a cylindrical base with a flip-top cap (e.g., cap top 106) attached to base 700 of cap 102. In other embodiments, base 700 can be any number of other different shapes such that base 700 of cap 102 can be coupled to housing 108.

In some embodiments, cap 102 can have a landing that material 120 is dispensed onto upon exiting orifice 104 of cap 102. For example, the landing can be the surface of cap 102 surrounding orifice 104 of cap 102.

In some embodiments, cap 102 need not be a flip-top cap and/or need not be a screw-on cap. By way of example, but not limitation, base 700 of cap 102 can be telescopically coupled to housing 108 such that cap 102 fits snugly over top region 112 of housing 108. By way of another example, cap 102 can be coupled to housing 108 through any number of different types of fasteners. For example, cap 102 can be coupled to housing 108 via a fastener at or near base 700 of cap 102 and housing 108 can have a mating fastener at a top region 112 of housing 108 such that the mating fastener of housing 108 can receive (or be received by) the fastener of cap 102.

In the embodiment shown, top surface 116 of cap 102 is dome-shaped. However, in various embodiments, in lieu of the dome-shaped top surface, top surface 116 of cap 102 can be any number of different shapes. For example, top surface 116 of cap 102 can be substantially flat or substantially convex, in various embodiments. In other embodiments, top surface 116 can include indentations of one or more different shapes (e.g., cubical indentation) to facilitate maintaining dispensed material 120 on top surface 116 of cap 102.

In some embodiments, a method of filling (or refilling) RCDA 100 can include removing cap 102 from housing 108. Platform 200 can be lowered towards bottom region 114 of housing 108. For example, thumb screw 110 can be manually rotated in a first direction causing lead screw 202 to rotate and platform 200 to be lowered towards bottom region 114 of housing 108 (due to the direction in which thumb screw 110 is rotated). In some embodiments in which an empty (or substantially empty) space is provided between platform 200 and top region 112 of housing 108, platform 200 need not be lowered to facilitate receipt of material 102 in housing 108.

In either embodiment, material 120 can be manually provided in housing 108 via an opening in top region 112 of housing 108. Cap 102 can be replaced at top region 112 of housing 108 before or after rotating thumb screw 110 in a second direction (opposite the first direction) causing platform 200 to be raised towards top region 112 of housing 108.

In some embodiments, a method of dispensing material 120 from RCDA 100 can include exposing orifice 104 of cap 102 (if orifice 104 is not already exposed). For example, cap top 106 can be moved to a position distal from top surface 116 of cap 102 to expose orifice 104 of cap 102. In some embodiments in which cap top 106 is not a flip top and orifice 104 is already exposed, cap top 106 or cap 102 need not be opened. The method can also include rotating thumb screw 110 to raise platform 200 to a level at which material 120 is dispensed from orifice 104. For example, pressure from material 120 can be applied to orifice 104 and dispensed from orifice 104 to the environment outside of RCDA 100.

After the desired amount of material 120 has been dispensed, a user of RCDA 100 can cease rotation of thumb screw 110. In some embodiments, thumb screw 110 can be rotated in the opposite direction to lower platform 200 to a level such that material 120 is no longer in contact with orifice 210 and/or is not being dispensed from orifice 104. In embodiments having cap top 106, cap top 106 can be provided over top surface 116 of cap 102 to reduce likelihood of unintentional leakage of material 120 from cap 102.

While the embodiments shown describe RCDA 100, which employs screw action of thumb screw 110 and/or lead screw 202 to move platform 200 towards top region 112 of housing 108 or towards bottom region 114 of housing for filling/refilling material 120 in, or dispensing material 120 from, housing 108, in various embodiments, other types of assemblies including different dispensing apparatus can be employed. A second type of assembly will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of an example, non-limiting RCDA with cap in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the RCDA of FIG. 8A without cap in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity.

Turning first to FIGS. 8A and 8B, shown are top views of embodiments of RCDA 800 with cap 102 (FIG. 8A), and without cap 102 (FIG. 8B) and showing orifice 802 of housing 108. As shown, numerous different embodiments are possible including those that include cap 102 and those that do not include cap 102.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the RCDA of FIG. 8A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 8D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the RCDA of FIG. 8A in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of systems and/or apparatus described herein are omitted for sake of brevity.

RCDA 800 includes platform 814, housing 108 having orifice 802 and cap 102 having orifice 104. Housing 108 includes orifice 802 from which material 120 between platform 814 and orifice 802 can be dispensed.

However, as described with reference to RCDA 100, in some embodiments, cap 102 need not be included in RCDA 800. Further, in lieu of including thumb screw 110 and lead screw 202 (as in RCDA 100), RCDA 800 can include a dispensing apparatus (e.g., mechanical pump) adapted to be operated to cause platform 814 to move towards top region 112 of housing 108 or bottom region 114 of housing 108. The dispensing apparatus can include rack 808 coupled to housing 108 via rack couplings 810 and/or pinion 804 having spring-loaded pinion gears 812, 816 activated by spring 806. As shown, rack 808 is also coupled to platform 814, and, in some embodiments, can be a circular rack.

In some embodiments, spring-loaded pinion gear 812, 816 engages rack 808. When spring 806 is depressed, spring-loaded pinion gear 812, 816 can engage rack 808 to cause platform 814 to move towards top region 112 of housing 108. Material 120 supported by platform 814 or provided between platform 814 and orifice 802 can be dispensed through orifice 802 when platform 814 is raised to a height sufficient to cause the material 120 to meet and be dispensed through orifice 802.

By contrast, when spring 806 is not depressed, spring-loaded pinion gear 812, 816 can cause platform 814 to move towards bottom region 114 of housing 108. Housing 108 can be filled/refilled with material 120. Thus, in the embodiments described, RCDA 800 can be manually operated to dispense material 120 from RCDA 800 and/or fill/refill RCDA 800 with material 120.

In various embodiments, the embodiments described herein can be formed in whole or in part of a plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate plastic) and/or dishwasher-safe materials. The embodiments can be transparent, translucent or opaque, or include transparent, translucent or opaque regions, in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the embodiments described herein can be formed in whole or in part of stainless steel. In various embodiments, the embodiments described herein can be formed of any number of different types of biocompatible materials.

In some embodiments, although not shown, a sealing apparatus can be provided between cap 102 and housing 108 and/or between a perimeter of platform 814 and interior surface of housing 108 to reduce likelihood of leakage of material 120 from RCDA 800.

Accordingly, as described with reference to RCDA 100, one or more embodiments of RCDA 800 described herein can enable filling and refilling housing 108 without any connection mechanism setup to connect the original container of material 120 (e.g., a pre-packaged toothpaste container of toothpaste) to RCDA 800. For example, a pumping mechanism is not required to attach the original container to RCDA 800 to transfer the material from the original container to RCDA 800. As another example, for transferring toothpaste material, a toothbrush is not required to be attached to the toothpaste tube. Instead of these types of connection mechanisms, the original container can simply be manually rotated (or squeezed, for example) to cause the material to exit the original container and flow into RCDA 800. In various embodiments, material 120 can flow through open air upon exiting the original container and prior to being received by RCDA 800. Advantageously, elaborate connection mechanisms between RCDA 800, 100 and the original container holding the material, are not necessary in various embodiments.

In various embodiments, one or more systems described herein can include means for dispensing configured to cause material 120 to be dispensed from the system, material support means coupled to the means for dispensing, and a refillable housing means having a first end and a second end, adapted to receive the material, and enclosing at least a portion of the means for dispensing. The refillable housing means can include the material support means, and the material support means can be adapted to be raised towards the second end of the refillable housing means to cause dispensing of the material, wherein the raising is based, at least, on operation of the means for dispensing. In various embodiments, the material support means can also be adapted to be lowered towards the first end of the refillable housing means to provide space between the material support means and the top region of the refillable housing means to receive material during filling or refilling the one or more systems.

In some embodiments, the means for dispensing can be a dispensing apparatus (e.g., mechanical pump) such as that described with reference to RCDA 800 and/or FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and/or 8D. In some embodiments, the means for dispensing can be the thumb screw assembly (e.g., combination thumb screw and lead screw), which is coupled to the platform, as described with reference to RCDA 100 and/or FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and/or 7B.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 illustrate example, non-limiting flowcharts of methods of operation of an RCDA in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Turning first to FIG. 9, a method of operation of a system having an RCDA is described. In this embodiment, the RCDA can have a dispensing apparatus actuatable by a thumb screw. At 902, method 900 can include receiving motion causing rotation of the thumb screw and corresponding rotation of a lead screw coupled between the thumb screw and a platform adapted to support material in a housing. At 904, method 900 can include raising the platform based on rotation of the thumb screw in a defined direction. At 906, method 900 can include dispensing material supported by the platform based on raising the platform to a location within the housing causing the material to contact and apply pressure against an orifice of the RCDA. In some embodiments, the defined direction can be a counterclockwise direction for causing the platform to raise (e.g., move from a first location to a second location of the housing, wherein the second location is closer to the top region of the housing than the first location).

Turning now to FIG. 10, a method of operation of a system having an RCDA is described. In this embodiment, the RCDA can have a dispensing apparatus actuatable by a thumb screw. At 1002, method 1000 can include receiving motion causing rotation of the thumb screw and corresponding rotation of a lead screw coupled between the thumb screw and a platform adapted to support material in a refillable housing of an RCDA. At 1004, method 1000 can include lowering the platform based on rotation of the thumb screw in a defined direction. At 1006, method 1000 can include receiving material within the refillable housing. In some embodiments, the defined direction can be a clockwise direction for causing the platform to lower (e.g., move from a first location to a second location of the housing, wherein the second location is closer to the bottom region of the housing than the first location).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, material can be dispensed from the RCDA by moving the platform of the RCDA towards a top region of the refillable housing. The platform can be moved toward the top region of the refillable housing by screw action facilitated by operating the thumb screw of the RCDA (e.g., RCDA 100) or by pump action facilitated by operating the mechanical pump of the RCDA (e.g., RCDA 800).

Turning now to FIG. 11, at 1102, method 1100 can include lowering a platform within an RCDA having a refillable housing. At 1104, method 1100 can include opening the RCDA. In some embodiments, the RCDA can include a cap and opening the RCDA can include opening or removing the cap from the refillable housing. At 1106, method 1100 can include manually depositing material into the refillable housing without connection mechanism between the original container of the material and the refillable housing of the RCDA. For example, in these embodiments, the material can be deposited into the refillable housing without need for any connection mechanism between the original container having the material and the refillable housing.

The material can rest on the platform in some embodiments although the material need not rest on the platform and can rest on a sidewall of the interior of the refillable housing between the platform and the top region of the refillable housing in some embodiments. At 1108, method 1100 can include closing the RCDA. For example, in embodiments in which the RCDA includes a cap, closing the RCDA can include replacing the cap of the RCDA.

Accordingly, embodiments described herein can enable filling and refilling a refillable housing of an RCDA without any connection mechanism setup to connect the original container (e.g., pre-packaged container in which the material is purchased from a retail establishment or otherwise obtained, such as a tube containing toothpaste purchased from a retail establishment, or created, such as a home container) to the RCDA. For example, a pumping mechanism is not required to attach the original container to the RCDA to transfer the material to the RCDA. As another example, for transferring material such as toothpaste, a toothbrush is not required to be attached to the toothpaste tube. Instead of these types of connection mechanisms, the original container can simply be manually rotated (or squeezed) to cause material to exit the original container and flow into the RCDA. In various embodiments, the material can flow through open air upon exiting the original container and prior to being received by the RCDA. Advantageously, elaborate connection mechanisms between the RCDA and the original container holding material are not necessary in various embodiments described herein.

While the embodiments shown and described above include cap 102, in some embodiments, housing 108 can have closed end with orifice at top region of housing 108 and no cap (e.g., no cap 102). In this embodiment, material can be dispensed directly from housing 108 to the environment outside of cap 102 in lieu of being dispensed from cap 102. As such, in this embodiment, platform can be raised or lowered and material can be dispensed into the environment outside of housing 108 directly from housing 108 in lieu of being dispensed from cap 102.

It is noted that in the figures, the illustration of components as separate entities from one another is merely exemplary. The components can be combined, integrally formed, separated and/or duplicated to support various functions. As used herein, the term “integrally formed” shall mean, continuous in form such that the component is a single, molded body (as compared to multiple components operably or mechanically coupled together). Additionally, the figures depict simplified views and can include alternative components that are not depicted but which remain within the spirit of the embodiments of the invention described herein.

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

Additionally, the following description refers to components being “connected,” “coupled,” “attached” and/or “adjoined” to one another. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” “attached” and/or “adjoined” mean that one component is directly or indirectly connected to another component, mechanically, electrically or otherwise. Thus, although the figures may depict example arrangements of components, additional and/or intervening components may be present in one or more embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in the claims and description, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only and doesn't necessarily indicate or imply any order in time.

Additionally, while the methods or processes described herein are presented with reference to steps, in various embodiments, the methods or processes can be performed with a different ordering of the steps and/or the steps can be performed concurrently or simultaneously in some embodiments. Further, the methods or processes are merely presented for the sake of providing examples. As such, other steps can be included in the methods or processes, steps currently described or shown can be removed or otherwise not performed, and all such variations are within the embodiments envisaged herein.

What has been described above includes mere examples of various embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present embodiments are possible. Further, one or more components in any of the embodiments can be used in any other embodiment either as an alternative to an existing component and/or in addition to an existing component. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention and its practical application. All such variations are envisaged by the inventor and within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/or claimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the detailed description and the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a housing adapted to receive material and having a first end and a second end; a platform located within the housing; a lead screw coupled to the platform; and a thumb screw coupled to the lead screw and adapted to be rotated, wherein the thumb screw is adapted to cause rotation of the lead screw resulting in first movement of the platform towards the second end of the housing or second movement of the platform towards the first end of the housing, wherein a direction of the first movement or the second movement is based, at least, on a direction of a rotation of the thumb screw.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising the material.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the material is located substantially between the platform and the second end of the housing, and wherein the system is configured to dispense the material based, at least, on the first movement of the platform towards the second end of the housing.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the material comprises a high-viscosity material.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the material comprises at least one of toothpaste or hand gel.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a cap coupled to the housing and having an orifice.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a seal between the cap and the housing.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a seal between at least a portion of an edge of the platform and an interior surface of the housing.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing is refillable.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed of at least one of plastic or stainless steel.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the plastic or the stainless steel is biocompatible.
 12. A system, comprising: a housing adapted to receive material and having a first end and a second end; a dispensing apparatus located, at least partially, within the housing; and a platform located within the housing and operably coupled to the dispensing apparatus, wherein the dispensing apparatus is adapted to cause first movement of the platform towards the second end of the housing or second movement of the platform towards the first end of the housing, wherein the first movement or the second movement is based on operation of the dispensing apparatus.
 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising the material.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the material is located substantially between the platform and the second end of the housing.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the housing is refillable.
 16. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a cap coupled to the housing and having an orifice.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the dispensing apparatus comprises a mechanical pump.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the mechanical pump comprises: a pinion gear; and a rack coupled to the pinion gear and to the platform, wherein the rack is adapted to cause the first movement or the second movement of the platform based on operation of the pinion gear.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the pinion gear comprises spring loaded pinion gear.
 20. A system, comprising: means for dispensing configured to cause a material to be dispensed from the system; material support means coupled to the means for dispensing; and refillable housing means having a first end and a second end, wherein the refillable housing means is adapted to receive the material, wherein the refillable housing means encloses at least a portion of the means for dispensing and the material support means, and wherein the material support means is adapted to move towards a second end of the refillable housing means based on a first operation of the means for dispensing and wherein the material support means is adapted to move towards a first end of the refillable housing means based on a second operation of the means for dispensing. 